THE CHOICES WE MAKE

Lesson 2 for April 13, 2019

We make choices every day. Some of them are routine and trivial, but others may have an impact in our eternal life (Joshua 24:15).

Our choices can change our lives and the lives of those around us (positively or negatively). Think about the choices of Cain, Joseph’s brothers, Korah, Dathanand Abiram; or Cornelius, the Philippian jailer and the spouse of an unbelieving person (1 Corinthians 7:16).

Let’s study the Biblical advice on general decision-making and on making some of the most important choices in our lives.

The Bible explains that God created us with free will. That is, we are free to choose, and God encourages us to make the right choices (Galatians 5:13; Deuteronomy 30:19).

Sin limits our free will, but we are completely free in Jesus (John 8:36).

In His love, God already chose us for eternal life before we were created (Ephesians 1:4).

However, we must make the daily decision of accepting that salvation (John 3:16; Joshua 24:15).

“The character we cultivate, the attitude we

assume today, is fixing our future destiny. We are

all making a choice, either to be with the blessed,

inside the City of Light, or to be with the wicked,

outside the city.”

E.G.W. (Reflecting Christ, October 16)

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow [a]we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’ […] Instead you ought to say,

‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15)

Convenience, cultural trends, peer pressure, emotions, habits, and mere preferences are unreliable guides for choices. According to the Bible, how can we make the right choices?

Pray before choosing (1 Thessalonians 5:17;

James 1:5)

Be willing to obey God (Isaiah 1:19;

Matthew 7:24-25)

Study the Bible (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Trust God (Proverbs 3:5-6;

Isaiah 58:11)

Seek wise counselors (Proverbs

15:22; 24:6)

The friends we choose may guide us to the right or to the wrong path.

A good friend “loves at all times” and is a brother “for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV).

Friendship is a bidirectional relationship: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly” (Proverbs 18:24).

Jonathan and David are a great example of unconditional friendship. David was going to take Jonathan’s place, but Jonathan didn’t take him as a rival but humbly offered his friendship instead.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

Choosing friends is important, but choosing the person with whom we’re going to share our entire life is much more important.

The best way to make the right choice is to ask God for guidance (Genesis 24:7).

There’s another good piece of advice in Isaac and Rebekah’s story: look for a Christian partner (Genesis 24:3-4).

If we want a successful marriage, we must begin by being the right person ourselves (Psalm 37:27; 119:97; 1Co. 15:33; James 1:23-25). We must be willing to treat our spouse as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).

“The choice of a life companion

should be such as best to

secure physical, mental, and

spiritual well-being for

parents and for their

children—such as will enable

both parents and children to

bless their fellow men and to

honor their Creator.”

E.G.W. (Letters to Young Lovers, p. 14)

“Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

Unless working full-time at home taking care of the house and family (the most noble of all occupations), many people have to choose a path as far as earning a living goes.

The first step is to choose a learning path related to the desired job career, if possible. Every choice must follow the next key principle: “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

On the other hand, work must never be the center of our lives (see Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). Remember that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1Ti. 6:10).

“Let us remember that while the work we

have to do may not be our choice, it is to be

accepted as God’s choice for us. Whether

pleasing or unpleasing, we are to do the

duty that lies nearest. ‘Whatsoever thy

hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

for there is no work, nor device, nor

knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,

whither thou goest.’ Ecclesiastes 9:10”

E.G.W. (The Ministry of Healing, cp. 39, p. 472)

“What you need to understand is the true

force of the will. This is the governing power

in the nature of man, the power of decision,

or of choice. Everything depends on the right

action of the will. The power of choice God

has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You

cannot change your heart, you cannot of

yourself give to God its affections; but you

can choose to serve Him. You can give Him

your will; He will then work in you to will

and to do according to His good pleasure.

Thus your whole nature will be brought

under the control of the Spirit of Christ;

your affections will be centered upon Him,

your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.”

E.G.W. (Steps to Christ, cp. 5, p. 47)